Physical Therapist Aides
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
Also called: Aide, Outpatient Aide, Outpatient Therapy Aide, Physical Therapist Aide (PTA), Physical Therapy Aide (PTA), Physiotherapy Aide
Median pay
$35,240
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$25,360 – $47,780
People employed
48,150
Holland code
SRC
Social · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 7.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Exposure to disease or infection
Physical Therapist Aides pay by state
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What physical therapist aides do
- 01Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
- 02Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- 03Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
- 04Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
- 05Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
- 06Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Empathy
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from physical therapist aides
- Psychiatric Aides87% · +27%
- Psychiatric Technicians82% · +28%
- Nursing Assistants81% · +20%
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses79% · +83%
- Medical Assistants78% · +30%
Change into physical therapist aides
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Orderlies87% · $38,290
- Psychiatric Aides80% · $44,910
- Nursing Assistants79% · $42,260
- Shampooers78% · $32,600
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers77% · $33,580
Majors that lead here
- Rehabilitation Aide
- Physical Therapy Technician/Aide
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.